Following on from my last blog, where I talk about the most recent release from the Royal Mint in their Dinosaur series of collectable coins. Today, ill actually take you on a real dinosaur hunt, along the beautiful coastline of South Wales.
On the foreshores of South Wales lies a treasure trove for fossil hunters, offering some of the finest spots in the UK. Unlike the bustling Somerset coast, South Wales' southern shores provide similar formations but with a much quieter, and more relaxed atmosphere for collectors to explore. Here, among the rocks and cliffs, the Jurassic and Triassic eras come to life, offering a chance to unearth ancient wonders like ammonites, belemnites, and brachiopods, as well as the remains of reptiles, sharks, and fish.
One standout location is a little known, secluded beach called DUNRAVEN BAY, where you can stumble upon giant gastropods, adding a touch of wonder to your fossil-hunting adventure. Meanwhile, Penarth and llantwit Major, a few miles further down the coastline, boast their own share of treasures with its renowned Triassic Bone beds, reminiscent of those found at Blue Anchor and Aust.
But what truly sets South Wales apart is its welcoming beaches, perfect for families and fossil enthusiasts alike. Here, the sands hold secrets waiting to be discovered, promising an exciting and fulfilling day of exploration for all who visit.
Embedded AMMONITE in limestone bedrock
At Dunraven Bay, fossil hunting is a common pastime, with bivalves stealing the show, especially Gryphaea, which you'll stumble upon frequently. While ammonites also grace the shores, they're a bit more elusive. Every now and then, lucky explorers might uncover traces of reptiles and fish, though such discoveries are rare treats. It's within the sturdy embrace of the limestone layers that these relics of the past patiently await curious hands to unearth their secrets.
We managed to find a good haul of fossilised treasures today - mostly Bivalves, both loose and trapped in rock:
But the star of the show, which was found by my son, is this yet UNIDENTIFIED reptile/fish bone segment:
Im still getting my head around this @pinmapple map thingy. But for those local, or wanting to visit, thisnis the exact location- [//]:# (!pinmapple 51.44737 lat -3.60527 long Fossil d3scr)